Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - 10 stars out of 10

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - 10 stars out of 10

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" may be the best prequel that I have ever seen.  It would take the perfect story to properly connect it to the 1968 classic and this film hit the nail on the head.  I am so thankful that they did not make this into an action film.  The action sequences have their place and they are absolutely stunning, but it is the character development that makes this into the perfect prequel.  Above all, Andy Serkis (known for his portrayal of Gollum and King Kong) deserves high praise for bringing the character of Caesar to life.  His mannerisms and facial expressions will make you empathize with him more than any animal that you have ever seen in cinema.  And this is absolutely vital to the story as we aren't supposed to hate Caesar as a killer, but to understand why he is seeking justice.  The animators also did an amazing job bringing him to life and these graphics will not disappoint.  James Franco has come a long way from Spiderman to again prove himself as one of the most dynamic actors of our generation.  Just like Caesar, he must be liked by the audience for them to understand the selflessness of his actions.  He makes a logical scapegoat but performs so well that you will feel sorry for him, even through the final scene.  I have to mention Brian Cox because he is my favorite character actor (along with William H. Macy, of course).  Finally, John Lithgow is stunning.  He is one of the most underrated actors out there and delivers some Oscar-worthy scenes in this film.  The subtlety of his facial expressions are incredibly effective.  Acting aside, this film has a great script that seamlessly ties this story to the 1968 film.  I really hope that they do not create a sequel to this film or else it will negate the awesome connections created by this film and steal that wonderful moment where everybody in the audience's imagination fills in the blanks between the two films... but realistically the produces won't be able to help themselves when they see dollar signs in front of their eyes.  I love the use of time to create a realism with this virus - by allowing for  the circumstances of the virus to develop over 13 years (5 before the film starts, 8 as the film progresses), this story goes from fiction to possibility.  The writers assemble a puzzle of several different factors that believably lead to these otherwise far-fetched results.  I love how this film sets the wheels in motion for the 1968 film through the shuttle launch, showing the significance of spraying someone with water, and moving the virus to New York.  The expected references to the original film (like the Statue of Liberty puzzle and Charleton Heston on tv) are subtle so that fans will smile but they don't interrupt the flow of the story.  I was skeptical about this film, particularly after the 2001 remake, but it will be awhile before another film can freeze me in my seat as this one did!

Lean On Me - 10 stars out of 10

Lean On Me - 10 stars out of 10

Morgan Freeman (arguably one of the Top 10 actors in cinema history) delivers another incredible performance as Joe Clark in "Lean On Me."  With one powerful and inspirational speech after another, you will be glued to the screen.  It is hard to believe that he appeared in this AND "Driving Miss Daisy" in the same year.  He deserved a nomination for both films and I believe that if this had come out in another year, he would have been nominated for this performance.  If you are a Morgan Freeman fan, see this because it is one of his finest acting roles.  The young actors portraying the students in this true story bring the movie to life.  Karen Malina White captured my heart in particular as she brought so much emotion (whether it was sentimentality toward Freeman or her tear-jerking confession) to each scene.  The movie also features strong, realistic performances by Lynne Thigpen, Robert Guillaume, and Regina Taylor.  If you want to experience pure emotion on screen, watch this bio-drama of the life of Joe Clark.

Phenomenon - 9 stars out of 10

Phenomenon - 9 stars out of 10

"Phenomenon" was, well... phenomenal!!!  This movie gets off to a perfect start with beautiful themes composed by Thomas Newman in his ethereal style.  John Travolta delivers a passionate performance.  I am not typically a fan of his work but he really delivered in this film.  I think that every audience member can connect with him as he experiences the changes in his life.  Though he undergoes the physical transformation, the amazing aspect of this movie is that the conflict is driven by the tranformation of the people around him and their treatment of him.  I wasn't impressed with the chemistry between Travolta and Sedgwick at first, but after the hair cutting scene, I was in love with their love.  There are some amazing scenes in this movie, including two incredibly emotional moments with Robert Duvall that will tear at your heart.  I also think that the special effects deserve to be complimented.  They are so simple and well-executed that you forget that they even ARE special effects!  I approached "Phenomenon" with skepticism (mainly because of Travolta), but with a realistic sci-fi plot that is well explained in the end and strong acting performances by all, this is a spectacular cinematic achievement.

Marnie - 8 stars out of 10

Marnie - 8 stars out of 10

Although it isn't my favorite Hitchcock film, "Marnie" does a great job of creating intensity through confusion until the answers are finally revealed in the end.  Between filming James Bond roles, Sean Connery delivers this similarly suave role.  Tippi Hedren displays pure acting talent throughout the movie, particularly any time that she freaks out and through her transformation in the final scene.  This movie caught me by surprise, in that I expected the events that occur midway through the movie to be the ending; instead, Hitchcock makes you think that you have the movie figured out and then takes the entire thing in a new direction.  The character development is excellent, as we learn about Marnie in the first scene without even seeing her, and then get inside of her head and understand how she developed as a child as we see her interactions with her mother.  Despite a few slow scenes, Marnie is an enjoyable enigma that any Hitchcock fan will appreciate.

A Hard Day's Night - 4 stars out of 10

A Hard Day's Night - 4 stars out of 10

"A Hard Day's Night" doesn't have a great script (or much of a story for that matter), but it's purpose is well served - it gave/gives Beatles fans an opportunity to get to know their personalities and enjoy their music.  The movie feels like candid footage of the Beatles with musical sequences intersperced like an episode of Scooby Doo.  Though I would not consider it an epic achievement in cinema history, any Beatles fan will enjoy the catchy music and personalities of America's most beloved rock band.

Above the Rim - 7 stars out of 10

Above the Rim - 7 stars out of 10

"Above the Rim" is a predictable but enjoyable urban drama about a talented teenage basketball star who falls in with the wrong crowd.  All of the acting is above average, with a great performance by Leon.  With subtle emotional expression in his voice and eyes, you will believe every line out of his mouth; however, the best performance in this film is Bernie Mac as the homeless "Flip."  Though his part cannot even be considered a supporting lead, he was the highlight of this movie.  Sports fans will enjoy the final 15 minute-long basketball sequence and drama fans will enjoy decent characters and a fairly strong plot.

A Fish Called Wanda - 7 stars out of 10

A Fish Called Wanda - 7 stars out of 10

"A Fish Called Wanda" is definitely worth watching.  It is well written and the acting is very entertaining.  Unfortunately, I had trouble completely buying into this plot because I just don't see the attraction to Jamie Lee Curtis and therefore cannot relate to the motives of John Cleese and Kevin Kline.  Kline was brilliant and earned his Oscar, but equally brilliant was Michael Palin.  His assassiniation attempts were the highlight of the film for me.  It may not have won an Oscar for best picture, but "Wanda" is an off the wall and entertaining good time that will leave you laughing.